Magnum Princesses rules again, Princes hold out

Following a week of high publicity, with Skatta being called out by dancehall artiste Khago for an apparent diss the previous week and claims by up-and-coming artiste Dazzla that I-Octane, last week’s guest judge on Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall (MKQ), stole the concept of his She Want it All Night/Move Up Yuh Body song, the contestants were all expected to deliver exceptionally.

However, the twelfth live show did not prove to be balanced, as the three remaining princesses (all deejays) did a better job than their male-counterparts (two sing-jays and a deejay) who were unwilling to “start the war” as is custom.

Even when contacted neither were willing to say that they wanted to clash the other. And hence begs the question, what will happen this Saturday?

DRAMA
Skatta continued another week of controversy, as he donned a copy of the Jamaica Star, with the front-page story calling for an apology by Khago following on the 11th show. As he walked on stage a dub undertone about the newspaper story could be heard. He opened the paper, shook his head and Nah Apologize by Sizzla started to play to rousing applause.

Resident Judge Skatta Burrell making his entrance.

SETTING THE TONE
The audience was again treated to another surprise the MKQ Top Ten Song “Can’t Stop We” was premiered for the first time. Produced by Chimney Records, the single featured impressive vocals from SASSY SILVA, CHARLENE SKYLAR, MAKARIE, MINORI and KONFYDENCE for the princesses. While, SHACK, JONNAH, JAH BOUKS, PAYNE and BUCK 1 represented for the princes. The song was well received and quite shrewd to say the least.

Take a listen

After the song premiere lyrical face-off princess MAKARIE and the crackerjack SHACK were both packed and sent out of the ‘Magnum Mansion’; their destination, home, after receiving the lowest votes based on their performance on the last show.

PRINCESSES PERFORMED
The show took a different format this week, with all the princesses performing first, followed by the princes; all doing two songs each: a popular one from this season and a new one.

'Ask and it shall be given', seem to have been CHARLENE SKYLAR thinking when she took resident judge Skatta Burrell on his challenge.

The self-proclaimed Commander-in-Chief, CHARLENE SKLYAR, was the first to bat as she did Step to me Lively. She surprised the audience, as she performed to the challenge Skatta gave her the week before, which left him saying, “yuh step lively tonight, a swear…yuh step up! Ratings”. Fellow contestants and rivals SASSY SILVA and KONFYDENCE earned her wrath and judge Professor Nuts liked it and encouraged it by adding, “this a wah mi want see long time”. The guest judge SPICE, despite loving the act, told her to improve her confidence.

Miss Independence was executed by KONFYDENCE. Professor Nuts told her he found her persistence to his liking, given that many persons would want to see her drop out; the audience shouted ‘yes’ and lamented that she should have been sent home long ago. She seemed touch and on her return to the stage was hurling her frustration at everyone. Starting with, “mi tired every week the judge dem deh pon mi like house”. For much of her performance she lacked impact, got some applause, earning the biggest when she threw words at Skatta.

SASSY SILVA had the crowd in her palms as they sang to her ‘Prayers Me a Use”, which once saved her from an elimination. “CHARLENE and KONFYDENCE a go have problem tonight, because a Sassy the crowd a say,” said Skatta.

Skatta told her, “mi respect your fighting spirit”. However, Miss Kitty was more blunt, “no judge is here to get you… We are here to help you, to build you. If we were not on you, like we were, we would not have gotten this. Congrats on a job well done”.

JONNAH in his thobe.

LUKE-WARM PRINCES
An easy going JAH BOUKS launched into ‘Curves’, as his popular song. Patrons were heard saying, “mi think him did a go do the one how him woman a give him bun”. Nevertheless, he was commended by Professor Nuts for remaining himself throughout the competition. The second time around, Miss Kitty was his target with a groovy lovers selection, which caused her to beam and say, “I felt that JAH BOUKS. It was almost effortlessly done and packed with emotions”.

PAYNE pulled off his set with his “lyrically show-off self”, as Professor Nuts would say, in between “him hard”, “lyrics a fire” from several audience members.

Mr. One-One, JONNAH, was the last exhibit for the night with melody, theatrics and creativity on overdrive. The lyrics of his first song was modified to big up his campaign team, while the second saw him wearing a white thobe (a long robe worn by Muslim men, which is usually tailored like a shirt, but it is ankle-length and loose), sandals and rod in hand like Moses to deliver the people— as the intro to his gospel-themed song suggested.

The females ended the night declaring war on each other. CHARLENE SKYLAR promised “anyone a dem step to me dead”. KONFYDENCE had this to say, “mi a show them the real KONFYDENCE”. “A mi seh me a di general so me just a come fi murder them and done, ” SASSY SILVA opined.

The curtains were drawn on the show with SPICE executing her new single “Twerk” and dance of the said name